Drug Use And Depression Common Among Adolescent Smokers

Smoking has been a major global concern, causing innumerable health issues, including cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2016 report, in 2015, about three of every 100 middle school students (nearly 3.3 percent) and 13 of every 100 high school students (or 13 percent) reportedly used two or more tobacco products during one month prior to the survey.

Lately, many people, especially adolescents, have switched to e-cigarettes, hookah or cigars, thinking that they contain less harmful chemicals and toxins. However, in reality, even these products are also not safe and often cause deadly diseases of the lungs and the heart.

Adolescents getting hooked on cigarettes in such a large proportion shows an increased inclination to abuse drugs like cocaine and marijuana. A December 2016 study, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, revealed that most of the teen smokers tend to use harder drugs, like cocaine, hallucinogens, ecstasy, along with prescription medications. Surprisingly, adolescents using harder drugs were more prone to suffer from mental health conditions, such as depression, highlighted the study.

Depression in teens and need for drug prevention

Led by the researchers at the University of California, the study suggested that most of the adolescents smoking five or fewer cigarettes a day, or those who smoked occasionally, had a higher probability of indulging in multi-drug use. According to the study, the proportion of teens reporting harder drug use remained consistent over the duration of the study, implying that the pattern of cigarette smoking and drug use followed in adolescence can be chronic and persist over time. Often, smoking alone is not sufficient to provide the desired "high" and euphoric effect, which leads most teens to abuse harder drugs, including ecstasy and LSD.

However, the dangers of smoking are not limited to the higher risk for addiction. Depression was a common phenomenon witnessed in adolescents who reportedly used illegal drugs at the beginning of the study. Precisely, development of a mental health condition due to an ongoing addiction is a common problem; but only a few people receive proper holistic treatment for both the conditions.

Evidently, depression is the most common mental disorder found in people with addiction. It is a severe mental disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness and lack of energy. Depression triggered by addiction is the result of the changes in the brain chemistry caused by the abused substances. Illegal drugs tend to modify the region of the brain associated with reward, thereby making the brain dependent on the substance to feel relaxed. However, when not under the influence, such individuals tend to develop depression and other mental disorders.

Thus, "depression scores could be used to more accurately identify teenagers who are candidates for drug prevention and cessation programs," said the researchers.

Leading a drug-free life is possible

According to the experts, depression and addiction together form a lethal combination. Studies have shown that a combination of addiction and depression increases the suicide rate to about one in four. Therefore, the need of the hour is to implement strict measures to keep a check on all kinds of addictions, so that the occurrence of mental disorders can be curbed to a certain extent.

At Sovereign Detox Services, we adopt a holistic treatment approach combining detoxification along with therapies to allow a patient to recover completely. Each of our patients is provided with specialized treatment programs under the care of licensed and trained professionals.

Contact Sovereign Detox Services to know more about the various treatments offered for addiction and co-occurring illnesses. Our Drug Detox Centers in Florida is regarded as the most effective way to embrace sobriety. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-682-0103 to find out about our detox therapy and Drug Detox Clinics California and other parts of the U.S.

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